Laser Machine Suction Flap Control for Targeted Fume Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suction devices in laser processing machines are inefficient in minimizing contamination and extending machine component life due to reliance on simple flap control based on bridge position, leading to premature failures and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A suction device with intelligent flap control that predicts the future position and operating state of the laser processing head based on a processing plan, optimizing air flow by opening flaps before the cutting process begins and adjusting suction volume according to contamination levels, thereby minimizing contamination and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flaps are controlled based on bridge position only, then the control system is simple, but the suction efficiency is insufficient leading to increased contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The control system opens flaps before the laser processing head reaches the corresponding position by predicting future positions based on the processing plan. This preliminary action ensures that the air flow is already established when waste products are generated, improving suction efficiency without requiring complex real-time sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the actual position of the laser processing head and compares it with the planned position. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the flap control timing and duration to optimize suction efficiency while adapting to deviations in bridge movement
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flaps are kept open continuously, then contamination is minimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of keeping all flaps open continuously, the system segments the suction zones and activates only the flaps corresponding to the current or future processing positions. This selective activation maintains low contamination levels while significantly reducing energy consumption by operating fewer flaps at any given time
Solution Approach 2:
The flap control system dynamically adjusts which flaps are open based on the real-time position and future trajectory of the laser processing head. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal suction coverage throughout the processing area while minimizing the number of active flaps to reduce energy consumption
3Use of energy by moving object
If flaps are opened later at the cutting position, then energy consumption is reduced, but thermal influence on workpieces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system opens the relevant flaps in advance before the laser processing head reaches the cutting position, as determined by the processing plan and predicted future position. This ensures that the air flow is already in place to immediately remove waste products and heat from the cutting zone, preventing thermal accumulation on the workpiece while avoiding continuous operation of all flaps
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the removal of gaseous and dusty waste products, reduces thermal influence on workpieces, and extends machine component life by ensuring efficient and targeted suction, minimizing contamination and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a fan (122) and a plurality of flaps (126) which are to be opened selectively in order to generate an air flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a suction device (120) configured for a laser processing machine (100) with a laser processing head (106) which can be moved over a workpiece holder (112), with a fan (122) and several flaps (126) which are to be opened selectively to generate an air flow and which are in communication with the fan (122), and with a control (300) configured to detect the position and operating state of the laser processing head (106) and to control (300) the flaps (126) as a function of the detected position and the operating state of the laser processing head (106).